Planning consultants
Find local planning consultants near you instantly. Get the best service, at the best price.
Planning consultants
If you wish, you can now contact any of the planning consultants listed below directly for more information, or they may contact you for more information so they can provide a more precise quote.
Planning consultants
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What does a planning consultant do?
- Planning consultants provide expert advice and support to navigate the complexities of the planning application process, whether you’re renovating, extending or building a house.
- They prepare and submit planning applications, negotiate with Local Authorities, and offer advice if you meet any obstacles in the planning process.
- This can save you time, money and stress by increasing the likelihood of planning permission being approved and helping to overcome technical hurdles.
Why compare planning consultant quotes?
If you need help with planning it’s important to compare multiple quotes because it allows you to:
- Save money. Different planning advisors may charge varying fees for similar services. So it helps you get a sense of how much you should be paying.
- Compare what’s offered: By getting multiple planning permission consultant quotes you’ll quickly be able to assess the scope of services included in each quote.
- Gauge expertise: You can evaluate the expertise of each planning consultant.
- Make informed decisions: By researching multiple options, you’ll be able to choose a planning consultant near you who best fits your house survey needs and budget.
When should you hire a planning consultant
This depends on the complexity and scope of your project and which experts you already have on board. For example, you may not need a planning advisor for a small project or if you have a local architect with a good local planning permission track record designing and submitting your plans.
However, hiring a planning permission consultant is highly recommended in the following scenarios:
- Complex projects: Such as if it involves a significant development.
- Location and property type: For example, if you’re planning works on a listed building or in a conservation area.
- Unclear local policies: When you’re unsure how local planning policies will affect your plans.
- Planning appeals: If your planning application has been rejected, you can put in a Planning Appeal by modifying your application and hopefully getting it closer to the requirements of the planners. This can sometimes end up being a long and drawn out process. Using a planning appeal consultant may make the process quicker and cheaper.
Planning consultant costs in the UK
Planning consultant fees will vary depending on the project’s complexity and planning advisor’s experience. However, as a rough guideline:
- Hourly rate: Expect to pay between around £130-£215 per hour for an individual consultant
- Project rates: Generally start from around £1,000.
The easiest way to keep costs down is to shop around so that you’re confident that you’re getting the local planning consultant for you at the best price.
Who can act as a planning consultant?
A wide range of professionals act as planning consultants including:
- Building Surveyors: Chartered Surveyors, who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), will have the letters MRICS or FRICS after his or her name.
- Structural Engineers: Your engineer is who is likely to be a member of the IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers) or a member of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) .
- Architects and Drawing Technicians: Anyone calling themselves an ‘Architect’ must be registered with the Architects Registration Board, which has public register viewable at www.arb.org.uk. While the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a chartered body separate from the ARB and membership is not compulsory.
How our planning consultant comparison tool works
Our planning consultant comparison tool is easy to use. Simply:
- Input your details: Add information about your property and where it’s located in the form above.
- Instantly receive details of local planning advisors who can help you. They will be a mixture of Building Surveyors, Structural Engineers, Architects, Drawing Technicians and other people familiar and experienced with the application process. Plus, you’ll be sent details of their experience and qualifications to help you make a choice.
- Compare quotes and assess experience: Contact the planning specialists directly with more information for a detailed quote. And assess their experience and qualifications to help you make a choice.
Getting planning agent quotes? Common questions
Here are some of the common questions people ask when getting planning agent quotes.
What factors affect the cost of a planning permission consultant?
- The cost of hiring a planning permission consultant will vary depending on how complex your project is, the experience of the planning consultant and location.
How can I get quotes from planning agents?
- The quickest way to get quotes from local planning agents is by using our online comparison tool. Contact the planning agents directly to discuss your requirements and to get a detailed quote.
What’s the process for booking planning advisors?
- Once you’ve compared planning advisor quotes and chosen your preferred consultant, simply contact them to commission them.
- Although before appointing a planning consultant you should ensure yourself that your chosen supplier has satisfactory experience to provide the level of service that you require.
Do I need a planning consultant for a planning appeal?
Benefits of using a planning consultant
The main benefits include:
- Increased success rate: Using a planning consultant can significantly boost your chances of approval.
- Creative Solutions: They can develop creative and practical solutions to help your application succeed.
- Expert guidance: They provide expert advice on planning policies and regulations.
- Saves time and reduces stress: They’ll handle the complexities of the planning permission process, saving you time and effort.
- Local Knowledge: Experienced planning specialists should have strong relationships with local councils and understand local policies and requirements.
Questions to ask your planning consultant before hiring
Here are some questions to ask your planning consultant:
- How long should the planning process take?
- What planning permission consultant experience do you have of projects like mine?
- Are you a member of any professional bodies?
- Can you provide references?
- What is your approach to handling planning applications and any objections?
- What is your planning application success rate?
- How will you keep me updated on progress?
- What services do you offer and what is included in the fee?
How to choose a planning consultant
- Use our find a planning consultant tool to get a list of planning consultants near you. Contact directly with more information for a detailed quote.
- Review their experience so you feel confident in their ability
- Arrange initial consultations with your shortlist to discuss your project and assess their approach and communication style.
- Check their local knowledge. A planning specialist with experience in your area should have a better understanding of local planning policies.
- Compare quotes and services to make sure you get the best service possible at the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your planning advisors all local to my postcode?
Yes, our online planning advisors comparison tool will connect you with planning consultants that are local to your postcode. So whether you’re looking for planning consultants in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Cornwall, Norfolk or anywhere else, you’ll get a local surveyor.
How much does planning permission cost?
– The cost of applying for planning permission in England is £258. This is the cost of householder planning applications, which cover alterations to single houses including extensions.
– If you need to apply for full planning permission because you’re making significant alterations to your house, the cost is also £258. However, applying for full planning permission if you’re building a house costs £578. Read more in our guide on the Cost of planning permission.
